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Home » Recipes » Christmas

Last Updated: Nov 26, 2022 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

30 Minute Christmas Side Dishes

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Best 30 minute Christmas side dishes pin with two family favorite recipes featured and text title divider.

These 30 minute Christmas side dishes are my favorite fool-proof recipes for getting food on the Christmas dinner table in a flash. This list includes classic Christmas side dishes as well as a few new ideas. You can have Christmas dinner ready in no time with these super quick and easy recipes!

Quick & Easy Christmas Side Dish Recipes

There's no reason you should have to spend all day in the kitchen just to pull off an epic Christmas dinner. With these quick and easy 30 minute (or less!) Christmas side dishes, all you have to focus on is the main course.

Whether you are searching for some indulgent holiday sides or lighter veggie options, this list has it all. You'll have Christmas dinner ready in a flash with any of these simple yet flavorful recipes!

Best 30 minute Christmas side dishes to make for the holidays this year, featuring 4 tasty recipes in a square collage.
Jump to:
  • Quick & Easy Christmas Side Dish Recipes
  • Last Minute Christmas Side Dishes
  • 1. Creamed Corn
  • 2. Maple Candied Yams
  • 3. Bacon Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
  • 4. Campbell's Green Bean Casserole
  • 5. Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes
  • 6. Fresh Green Bean Casserole (from Scratch)
  • 7. Instant Pot Acorn Squash
  • 8. Yellow Mashed Potatoes
  • 9. Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes
  • 10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions
  • 11. Green Beans Almondine
  • 12. Baked Cabbage Steaks
  • 13. Pan Seared Brussel Sprouts
  • 14. Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes
  • 15. Sour Cream Cornbread
  • 16. Honey Roasted Acorn Squash
  • 17. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • 18. Buttered Peas & Carrots
  • 19. Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
  • ‌🎄 More Tasty Christmas Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 30 Minute Christmas Side Dishes: Maple Candied Yams (+More Quick Recipes!)
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

Whether you're a pro at hosting Christmas dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you're sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Christmas a help! Don't forget to safely thaw your holiday prime rib early, too!

Last Minute Christmas Side Dishes

These recipes are the perfect solution if you are expected to contribute to a holiday get-together last-minute. You could even make a couple if you like!

1. Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is a rich and comforting side dish that can be whipped up in a mere 15 minutes. Whether you are having prime rib, roasted turkey, or a glazed ham for dinner, this corn is always a great choice.

Homemade Creamed Corn
This creamed corn is a creamy, quick, and simple vegetable side dish that tastes like it took all day to prepare. It is ready to enjoy in only 15 minutes and is a completely beginner-friendly recipe. Plus, it is so irresistibly delicious that your family will be requesting it for every occasion.
Check out this recipe
Wide image of creamed corn.

2. Maple Candied Yams

These sweet and sticky maple candied yams have a secret ingredient: bacon! The savory flavor of bacon perfectly contrasts with the sweet, syrupy yams. You'll never want candied yams without bacon again!

Maple Candied Yams
Maple candied yams feature tasty yams or sweet potatoes tossed in warm spices, maple syrup, crumbled bacon, and chopped pecans! In just 30 minutes, you'll be sitting down to enjoy this delectable dish! Perfect for Thanksgiving, these yams will be a hit with your entire family!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing maple candied yams in a white baking dish.

3. Bacon Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

These extra creamy mashed potatoes have cream cheese and bacon mixed right in! Everyone loves soft, buttery mashed potatoes and that is even more true when there's bacon involved.

Bacon Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These bacon cream cheese mashed potatoes are a creamy, savory, and completely delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal! Mashed potatoes are mixed with cream cheese, bacon, butter, and herbs for an extra special combination. Once you try out this tasty side, you'll never want to make mashed potatoes another way again!
Check out this recipe
Square image of bacon cream cheese mashed potatoes.

4. Campbell's Green Bean Casserole

You can't go wrong with this old-school Campbell's green bean casserole recipe. It's quick and easy because it calls for canned green beans, canned cream of mushroom soup, and of course crispy fried onions.

Classic Campbell's Green Bean Casserole
Campbell's green bean casserole is a classic recipe that takes minimal prep work, is ready in a snap, and tastes delicious. This casserole is packed with green beans and a creamy sauce, perfect for the holidays, and then topped with crispy French fried onions. Plus, it only uses a handful of ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Close up square image of Campbell's green bean casserole in a glass baking dish.

5. Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes

If you have convenient appliances like an Instant Pot or an air fryer, now is the time to bust it out! You can make gourmet-quality sides like these cheesy au gratin potatoes in just 25 minutes.

Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes
These Instant Pot au gratin potatoes are easy to prepare, quick to make, and completely cheesy and delicious! Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with melted cheese and seasoning for a truly mouthwatering side dish. This tasty comfort food is sure to be a hit with your whole family!
Check out this recipe
Close up square image of instant pot potatoes au gratin.

6. Fresh Green Bean Casserole (from Scratch)

Yes, you can totally make fresh green bean casserole from scratch when you are on a time constraint. You can even save more time by rinsing and trimming the green beans the evening before!

Fresh Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
Fresh green bean casserole from scratch is packed with fresh green beans, garlic, and creamy sauce, then topped with fried onions! This dish is so much more flavorful than anything you could whip up using canned ingredients. In fact, it makes a perfect addition to any of your holiday menus!
Check out this recipe
Square image of green bean casserole on a green baking dish.

7. Instant Pot Acorn Squash

Bust out your Instant pot because this acorn squash in honey sauce is ready in just 12 minutes! If you've never had acorn squash, now's the time to try it. It's nutty and sweet but also incredibly easy to make!

Instant Pot Acorn Squash
Instant pot acorn squash is a sweet and savory vegetable side dish that is easy to make and ready in only 12 minutes! The squash is cut into halves, placed into the instant pot for hands-off cooking, then brushed with a sweet honey sauce. This simple side dish has all of the fall flavors that your family will love!
Check out this recipe
Square image of instant pot acorn squash.

8. Yellow Mashed Potatoes

You can whip up a whole batch of creamy yellow mashed potatoes in just 25 minutes! All you need is 4 simple ingredients: yellow potatoes, heavy cream, butter, and salt.

Yellow Mashed Potatoes
These yellow mashed potatoes are easy to whip up in a pinch, only use a handful of ingredients, and are incredibly delicious! They make the perfect side dish for any of your favorite meals! Trust me, your entire family will love these creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing a large bowl of yellow mashed potatoes.

9. Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes

Pan fried sweet potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with any entree. This method only takes 15 minutes to turn out perfectly seared sweet potatoes.

Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes
Pan-fried sweet potatoes are a quick and easy side dish cooked to crispy perfection with minimal ingredients. These tasty sweet potatoes are tossed with olive oil and seasoning, then fried until fork tender. Serve them up nice and hot for the whole family to enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Square image of pan fried sweet potatoes in a cast iron pan.

10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions

If you prefer a more hands-off method, try these oven roasted sweet potatoes and onions! They are cooked at a high heat so the outside gets nicely browned but the inside stays soft.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions
Roasted sweet potatoes & onions are tossed with oil and spices and then baked in the oven for a perfect sweet and savory side dish. In fact, it is so versatile that it pairs well with practically any entree. While they can easily be enjoyed by themselves, you can also add them to salad, tacos, or bowls for an easy upgrade to your favorite recipes.
Check out this recipe
Square image showing roasted sweet potatoes and onions in a bowl.

11. Green Beans Almondine

It takes almost no time at all to make a delicious side of green beans almondine. Thin almond slivers give these green beans an extra crunch that is hard to resist!

Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a French-inspired recipe that features tender-crisp green beans tossed with toasted almond slivers, butter, garlic, and seasoning. This classic vegetable side dish pairs well with your family's favorite main dishes, making dinners a snap. In just 20 minutes you can whip up a healthy green bean dish perfect for any weeknight or holiday dinner!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of a white serving plate with green beans almondine.

12. Baked Cabbage Steaks

With just 4 ingredients you can bake some tender and perfectly seasoned cabbage steaks. This surprisingly simple vegan and low-carb side is one of the very best ways to enjoy cabbage!

Baked Cabbage Steaks
Baked cabbage steaks are a simple, tasty vegetable side dish with minimal prep needed and just 4 ingredients! Slice your heads of cabbage into 1-inch steaks then brush each with olive oil, season them with salt and pepper, then bake until fork-tender. If you don't think you are a fan of cabbage, this recipe is bound to change your mind!
Check out this recipe
Square image of baked cabbage steak.

13. Pan Seared Brussel Sprouts

Pan-seared brussel sprouts pair wonderfully with just about any entree. They get a light caramelization on the outer leaves that adds a ton of flavor! All you need is 20 minutes and a handful of ingredients.

Pan Seared Brussel Sprouts
Pan-seared brussel sprouts are an easy and delicious vegetable side dish that is excellent for any weeknight family dinner! These easy stove top brussel sprouts are caramelized to perfection, giving them a deliciously tender inside and a crunchy outside! All you need is olive oil, salt, pepper, and butter to enhance its slightly sweet and nutty flavor!
Check out this recipe
Square image of pan seared brussel sprouts in a large bowl.

14. Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes

The microwave gets a bad rep, but not anymore once you try these baked sweet potatoes. They are just as fluffy and soft as sweet potatoes that are baked in the oven but in half the time!

Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes
Microwave baked sweet potatoes are a fast and easy way to make a healthy and delicious vegetable side dish for any main course! Sweet potatoes are extremely versatile, you can serve them sweet, savory, or plain with a slice of butter! By microwaving sweet potatoes, you will save so much time in the kitchen and won't have to turn the oven on!
Check out this recipe
Square image microwave baked sweet potatoes.

15. Sour Cream Cornbread

Adding sour cream to cornbread keeps it extra moist and fluffy. There will be absolutely no dry cornbread at the Christmas dinner table this year!

Sour Cream Cornbread
Sour cream cornbread is a delicious and super moist side dish perfect for sharing with the family on any occasion! Once you make this homemade cornbread with sour cream, you will never want to use a cornbread mix again! The crispy golden edges and soft buttery center in this cornbread will have everyone wanting seconds!
Check out this recipe
Square image of sour cream cornbread on a blue plate with a pat of butter.

16. Honey Roasted Acorn Squash

If you don't have an Instant pot, no worries. You can still make honey-roasted acorn squash in a snap with your oven!

This sweet and savory side dish is one you can enjoy guilt-free.

Honey Roasted Acorn Squash
This honey roasted acorn squash is a sweet and savory side dish that is fork-tender and perfect for any meal! It is simple to make and a great way to mix up your standard side dishes. Plus, this tasty winter squash recipe is also super healthy!
Check out this recipe
Square image of honey roasted acorn squash in a baking dish.

17. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect balance between sweet and savory. You can add in honey, or season them with cinnamon or nutmeg, or you can keep them on the savory side with butter, salt, and pepper.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect sweet side dish to accompany all of your favorite holiday meals! They are creamy, rich, and have just the right amount of added sweetness to make them completely irresistible! This is going to become your new favorite sweet potato side dish!
Check out this recipe
Square image of mashed sweet potatoes in a white bowl.

18. Buttered Peas & Carrots

Buttered peas & carrots are a simple 15-minute side dish that can easily entice everyone to eat their veggies. You can play around with mix-ins like pearl onions, dried herbs, or honey, or you can enjoy them plain and simple with butter.

Buttered Peas and Carrots
Tasty buttered peas & carrots are a classic vegetable side dish that can easily be made either on the stove or in the microwave. Sometimes the most simple recipes are the best, and this delicious combination of tender carrots and buttery sweet peas is one of those times!
Check out this recipe
Square image of a white bowl filled with peas and carrots.

19. Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus may seem fancy, but that doesn't mean it takes a long time to make! From start to finish this delicious side dish takes just under 30 minutes to make.

Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Everything tastes better with crispy, salty bacon, and this baked bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe proves it! These bacon-wrapped spears of asparagus make a wonderful gourmet appetizer or side dish with very little fuss!
Check out this recipe
Delicious baked bacon wrapped asparagus spears on metal tray.

I hope you found these 30 minute Christmas side dishes helpful! Tell me what was on your Christmas dinner menu in the comments below!

‌🎄 More Tasty Christmas Recipes

  • Oyster Stuffing - A moist and savory old-school stuffing recipe with tasty oysters!
  • Make Ahead Christmas Breakfast Ideas - Family-favorite breakfast recipes you can prepare the night before!
  • Butter Herb Rhodes Rolls - Soft and fluffy frozen rolls that taste homemade complete with herb butter!
  • Italian Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas - An Italian-inspired dinner menu for Christmas eve or Christmas day.
  • Christmas Casserole Recipes - Crowd-pleasing recipes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Christmas day.
  • Crockpot Apple Cider - Mulled apple cider you can serve right out of your slow cooker.

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📖 Recipe Card

Best 30 minute Christmas side dishes to make for the holidays this year, featuring 4 tasty recipes in a square collage.
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5 from 7 reviews

30 Minute Christmas Side Dishes: Maple Candied Yams (+More Quick Recipes!)

These 30 minute Christmas side dishes are my favorite fool-proof recipes for getting food on the Christmas dinner table in a flash. This list includes classic Christmas side dishes as well as a few new ideas. You can have Christmas dinner ready in no time with these super quick and easy recipes!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 398kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 25 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 29 oz yams (canned)
  • ¼ cup butter (melted)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch each, salt & pepper
  • 1 pinch ground allspice
  • 2 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 2 tablespoon pecans (chopped)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • To begin, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and lightly spray a medium-sized baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a mixing bowl, add your drained yams, melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and allspice. Mix until all of the ingredients are well distributed.
  • Pour the yam mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread out to make an even layer and slice any large chunks into smaller bits if desired.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped pecans over top of the yams.
  • Bake in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 25 minutes or until the yams are nice and tender.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Marshmallows are completely optional, so you can decide whether or not you want to add them based on your family's preferences.
  • Make your maple candied yams a day or two ahead of time by preparing the dish and stopping before you bake it (go ahead and leave off the marshmallows, too). When ready, you can add the marshmallows (if you like) and pop it in the oven!
  • If you want to use fresh sweet potatoes, you'll need to use 3-4 medium-sized sweet potatoes. Peel, cut, and cook them (boiled, in the microwave, or oven) before using them in the recipe. 
  • To store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat: Reheat your leftovers with either small bursts in the microwave or by popping them back into the oven until heated to your liking.

Nutrition

Calories: 398kcal (20%) | Carbohydrates: 69g (23%) | Protein: 4g (8%) | Fat: 13g (20%) | Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 25mg (8%) | Sodium: 208mg (9%) | Potassium: 559mg (16%) | Fiber: 5g (21%) | Sugar: 42g (47%) | Vitamin A: 19682IU (394%) | Vitamin C: 3mg (4%) | Calcium: 85mg (9%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Holiday Recipes, Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Cuisine American
« What To Do With Leftover Christmas Cookies
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Author bio photo with cake.

Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

More About Me ->

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